The Top 10 Things to Do in Western Australia

Western Australia Is More Than Perth

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Thinking about a holiday to Western Australia? Known for its stunning beaches, beautiful winery regions and picturesque national parks, it’s the perfect place to take the whole family to relax and explore. Stay for a few days or stick around for a couple of weeks – however you choose to holiday, here are 10 of the best things to do in Australia’s largest state.

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Cottesloe Beach

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You can’t visit WA without a trip to Cottesloe Beach – one of Perth’s most popular beaches for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. With beautiful white sand amid a backdrop of clear turquoise water, it’s fair to say this is beach heaven. Pack a picnic and soak up the sun or visit one of the many cafes or restaurants across the road for lunch. Be sure to pop into the Indiana Teahouse for a drink - one of Cottesloe’s most iconic landmarks located on the beach. When you’re all beached out head to one of the Cottesloe’s walking paths to lap up the stunning scenery.

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Margaret River

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If you love food and wine, a trip to Margaret River is an absolute must. Perhaps one of the most picturesque regions in the state and around a 3-hour drive South from Perth, Margaret River has it all – gourmet food and wine, craft breweries, galleries and an eclectic collection of boutiques. Head to the Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning and grab a stack of fresh local produce. Visit the many cellar doors and winery restaurants, tasting everything from gourmet cheese to artisanal chocolate, wines and craft beers. Spend hours walking the national forest trails, just a few minutes out of town and make sure you visit the Lake and Mammoth caves – they’re not to be missed.

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Kalbarri National Park

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At the scenic Kalbarri National Park, treat yourself to breathtaking views of the Murchison River gorge, stunning coastal cliffs, challenging hikes and so many other spectacular attractions. In spring, go for a bush walk among the beautiful wild flowers and take a dip in the river. Kalbarri is great for fishing, snorkeling, surfing, diving and even canoeing – if you’re experienced. If you’d prefer to keep it low key and take in the sights, organize a tour with an experienced guide who will be able to show you all the best attractions. Kalbarri is around a 6-hour north drive from Perth.

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Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle

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Fremantle is the hometown to Australia's beloved Little Creatures Brewery, and thus, the ultimate destination if you love beer — or even if you don’t. The venue is huge, featuring both a hipster-chic bar and brewhouse as well as a restaurant for you to enjoy a few pale ales alongside some tasty pizzas while the kids play in the outdoor sandpit. With views of the water and a stack of craft beer to try, Little Creatures is definitely worth a look.

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Rottnest Island

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Located off the coast of WA lies Rottnest Island, a major tourist attraction featuring around 63 beaches, amazing snorkeling sites, a fantastic restaurant scene, natural attractions and gorgeous wildlife including quokkas - Rottnest Island’s famous marsupial. Discover the island on one of the many bus tours available or explore the attractions for yourself. Visit the family fun park, spend the day playing archery at the Rottnest Island Country Club or relax at the Karma Day Spa. With plenty of walking tracks, parks, museums, galleries and places to dine – we can guarantee you’ll want to stay a while.

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The Avon Valley

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If you’re looking for something romantic to do in WA, take a trip to the Avon Valley, just an hour's drive from Perth. Here you’ll find a backdrop of rolling hills amid a stunning country setting. Explore the local country town rife with antique shops, quaint cafés, museums and galleries then settle in beside the river for a delicious picnic. The Avon Valley is known for its beautiful nature walks and for its hot air ballooning at dawn.

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The Kimberley Region

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One of the world’s last wilderness frontiers, the Kimberley is made up of everything from stunning coastlines and sandy beaches to freshwater swimming holes, wilderness parks, outback stations, canyons and so much more. Take a trip to Broome, one of the Kimberley’s gateways, and lap up the luxury in a five-star hotel or pitch a tent in the wilderness to take advantage of the beautiful wildlife. Take a 4WD trip on ‘the Gibb’ to view the stunning gorges or see enormous domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. The Kimberley Region has so much to offer – you’re probably going to need to stick around for a while!

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The Pinnacles: Nambung National Park

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Drive three hours north of Perth to see the ancient Pinnacles – a collection of desert rock formations found in Nambung National Park along the coast. These desert Pinnacles date back millions of years to when the sand was beneath the sea, and some Pinnacles are nearly four meters high! Drive the rough road that weaves in and out of the towers, but be sure to get our for a proper photo. Then, when you’re done head over to the nearby Hangover Bay for a quick swim.

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The Ningaloo Reef

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The world heritage-listed reef at Ningaloo Marine Park boasts beautiful crystalline water and a stock of beautiful sea life, from tropical fish to manta rays and of course, the elusive (but harmless) whale shark. Feeling adventurous? Fly over the ocean in a microlight hang-glider and take in the beautiful coastal views or snorkel at Turquoise Bay, where you might get the opportunity to swim with a humpback whale. Then when you’re done with the adventure, head into Exmouth – the local town famous for its emus - to do some shopping and hit the beach.

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Cable Beach

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There’s no doubt about it – Broome’s beaches are stunning, and Cable Beach is definitely at the top of the list. With beautiful clear water perfect for swimming, snorkelling or diving – there’s plenty to see and do. We recommend a kayaking tour for something a little different. Not only will you enjoy a relaxing ride, but you’ll explore the beautiful marine life too and might even see a dolphin of sea turtle! Or, at sunset, join a camel chain for a bucklet list ride along the beach.